The Israelite Samaritans and the Festival of Unleavened Bread:

Photographs by Dale Lazar

Dale Lazar’s striking photographs of the Israelite Samaritans tell a compelling story of this small, yet enduring religious community celebrating the Festival of Unleavened Bread. The photographs depict moments captured by Lazar between 3 am and 7 am. Additional photographs portray members of the Samaritan community during a subsequent visit to the region.

The Israelite Samaritan religion is similar to, but distinct from Judaism. Samaritans follow one sacred text, the Samaritan Torah. They are led by a high priest; venerate their Temple Mount, Mt. Gerizim on the West Bank; and practice a style of Israelite religion that predates the destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. There are approximately 800 Samaritans in the world today.

For more information regarding this exhibition, contact Melissa Hiller at 412.697.3231 or mhiller@jccpgh.org.